New PBS Documentary Will Focus on Henry David Thoreau & Troubles Of the Modern World

 

"The world is but a canvas to our imagination."

~ Henry David Thoreau

Today is the first day of spring. The winter might still cling for a while, but this is the season of new life, of new hope. If there is a color that comes to mind, it is green.

Thus, it seemed like a good time to talk about an upcoming series on Henry David Thoreau, who many consider the father of environmentalism. Despite some reservations due to Ken Burns being a huge part of this particular series (more or less recent reservations, and largely as a result of his recent series on the American Revolution), I am looking forward to it.

One of the focuses will be on Thoreau's troubles when trying to value the natural world and solitude in the face of the approach of the modern world. Things were already changing in Thoreau's time, as evidenced by his own thoughts. After all, he could sense a time when the woods would pretty much disappear.

Yet, it feels like he would have been more than appalled at the extent of the damage from what passes as modernity has caused. Whether it is chemicals in our foods, or clearing and altering of our land, or vehicles like countless cars and planes and massive cargo ships, all requiring enormous amounts of gas,  which causes the plunder of our planet to be sped up and spread out all over the globe.

In short, we have built a lifestyle which is doing irreparable harm. And most people do not seem to give it more than a passing thought, if that much.

So yeah, I am looking forward to this series. Programs on Henry David Thoreau are so rare, that anything like this feels long overdue.

Hopefully, it will be worth the wait.

Henry David Thoreau Faces Troubles Of The Modern World In New PBS Film ByJoe Sills,Contributor. Joe Sills is a writer and photographer focusing on travel and culture.   Follow Author Mar 14, 2026, 01:59pm EDTMar 16, 2026, 02:35pm EDT

https://www.forbes.com/sites/joesills/2026/03/14/pbs-film-bets-henry-david-thoreau-can-inspire-modern-travelers-to-grow/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQmFUhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeD_9Ldi0mAL1NdjUOrRougtAn3OrwRQ1OarRFq6tUEbl5wcVkBy7HSi9saOI_aem_rFhNwBLOJulQIV7ISHiZXw

PBS Film Bets Henry David Thoreau Can Still Inspire in Modern Times